Nuclear Astrophysics at TRIUMF-ISAC: Stellar Burning Reaction Studies with DRAGON and TUDA

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Nuclear astrophysics is the study of both the origin of the chemical elements, and how stars shine, evolve and ultimately die, from the perspective of interactions between atomic nuclei. These interactions are the governing underlying reason for everything in stars that we see with all of today's pantheon of astronomical instruments. In order to understand them fully, we must explore the interactions between atomic nuclei in the laboratory, especially rare isotopes that don't exist on Earth naturally. This is done using particle accelerators, rare isotope beams, and purpose-built specialist facilities such as DRAGON at TRIUMF-ISAC. TRIUMF-ISAC hosts a range of world-class experimental facilities purposely built for nuclear astrophysics. Most well-known are the DRAGON and TUDA facilities, that operate in close collaboration. The overarching theme of the astrophysics program is the laboratory measurement of nuclear reactions critical in stellar burning and explosions. ISAC has some of the best rare isotope beams on the planet, and with the combination of that fact and the world-class instruments at DRAGON and TUDA, it is the top laboratory to go to for measurement of some of these nuclear reactions. The program attracts researchers from all over the world, and provides an excellent base for Canadian researchers to be at the top of the game in nuclear astrophysics and connect with the world.